Position InformationPosition Information
Working Title Open Rank Research Professor - Water Sciences Lab Director
Department Water Center-2225
Requisition Number F_260016
Posting Open Date 04/20/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 07/15/2026
Posting Close DateOpen Until Filled Yes
Description of Work With a 100% administrative research apportionment, this 12-month (calendar year) non-tenure track, renewable appointment will have a 3-5 year initial appointment based on rank at time of hire. The position reports to the Nebraska Water Center director and leads all WSL activities, supervising a laboratory manager and technical staff, while supporting staff and users in day-to-day facility operations. This position is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and will be affiliated with an academic unit in IANR to ensure the incumbent has a pathway to promotion conforming to UNL policies and guidelines. To learn more about Lincoln, please visit
About Lincoln | Nebraska.
Position Responsibilities- Demonstrate strong communication skills, vision, and leadership to further the WSL mission to provide advanced, high quality, defensible results for water and environmental research
- Seek out and develop relationships with external stakeholders and faculty from the university system to support joint research and service projects, enhancing laboratory services to meet user requirements while implementing practical ways to maintain quality and improve operation efficiency.
- Actively collaborate on publications, contracts and grant opportunities, and work with the Nebraska Water Center staff to promote the facility widely to potential users on and off campus.
- Mentor laboratory users and staff to ensure timely processing of client samples, facilitate problem-solving, and assist the laboratory manager in implementing a robust quality assurance program using a new laboratory information management system.
- Prepare annual facility reports to the Office of Research and Innovation which integrate fiscal and technical input from an administrative advisory board, laboratory user group, and business office staff.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Minimum Required Qualifications - Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental, Geological, or Materials Science.
- Experience conducting scientific research, developing analytical or isotopic methods, operating and troubleshooting mass spectrometry-based equipment.
- Track record of relevant research publications showcasing advanced analytical techniques.
- Specialty in environmental sciences, water quality, and/or analytical method development commensurate with a research assistant professor or higher.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience managing laboratory operations, quality assurance, planning, or project management.
- Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with faculty and stakeholders across multiple disciplines and organizations.
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review RequiredCriminal History Background Check Required No
Posted SalaryHow to Apply Click "Apply for this Job" and then "Faculty Application." Complete the application and attach the following documents:
- Letter of interest (2-page maximum) that describes your
- Qualifications for the job.
- Anticipated contributions in this role.
- Experience working in an advanced analytical laboratory.
- Anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Contact information for three professional references.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact Jodi Mackin, IANR Human Resources
[email protected]Job CategoryJob Category (old) Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No
If Temporary, indicate end datePlanned Hire DateAppointment End DateOrganizational Location Default Location
